David Landsbergen

Realizing the Promise: Government Information Systems and the Fourth Generation of Information Technology†

Interoperability is more than “digital plumbing”—making sure that computers talk so that bits of data flow properly. Fundamentally, interoperability is people talking and sharing information. Sharing information reduces the “paperwork burden”on the citizen, streamlines work processes, and enriches the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policy. Building on prior theory and research, this research has developed empirically derived, practical findings and recommendations to support thedevelopment of appropriate interoperable systems.

Truth and Credibility in Sincere Policy Analysis Alternative Approaches for the Production of Policy-Relevant Knowledge

This article distinguishes two competing approaches to policy analysis: a credibility approach and a truth approach. The credibility approach would define the role of the policy analyst as a search for plausible argument instead of truth. After defining the basic assumptions of the truth and credibility approaches, the implications for the conduct of policy analysis are explored.

IT-enabled sense-and-respond strategies in complex public organizations

City governments face difficult challenges in serving their increasingly Net-connected constituencies in an environment of change, uncertain demand, and reduced budgets. These conditions require their IT departments to enable governments to adapt to citizen requests in a sense-and-respond (S-R) manner. In this article, the application of S-R concepts is demonstrated by the approaches used in developing an IT strategic plan for Columbus, Ohio. The fractal-based, request-focused strategy used here creates a unified organizational and IT context for connecting the Department of Technology and city government departments to their customers by utilizing an incremental, lean portfolio-management-based action plan and architecture.

Screen level bureaucracy: Databases as public records

Abstract Providing better service by automating “business processes” is an exciting prospect for improving the government. Yet, there has not been the same level of effort at making it easier for the public to obtain information about what its government is doing. This article focuses on the constraints and opportunities in making database information available to the public. The database technology is chosen because it is a central repository of public information. New federal law requires the use of information technology (IT) to make access to public information easier. But the new law has also subtly shifted the burden of proof to the citizen in showing why certain information should be made available. If a “statutory fix” to this problem is not available in the short run, we urge agencies to provide increased access to database information because of the continual development of technology and its effect on citizen expectations.

Simulating the Multiple Impacts of Deferred Maintenance

Deferring facilities maintenance is a policy option often with unknown outcomes. Tight budgets and the lack of immediate consequences make it tempting to delay necessary repairs without understanding the full implications of such delay. Facility managers often use a singular measure, the facility condition index (FCI) to summarize deferred maintenance. The FCI is a useful indicator of accumulated costs but fails to reflect the other possible consequences of deferral, such as increasing accidents, reduced occupancy, increasing energy demand, and increasing service calls. This chapter demonstrates a system dynamics simulation model that both recognizes the decision points in facility funding and makes explicit the multiple impacts of deferred maintenance. It proposes a structure for the evaluation of alternative funding scenarios and defines a new “best facility” indicator of condition. Development of the model is part of a broader collaborative effort among consultants, facilities managers at US National Laboratories, and academics to study funding decisions and the dynamic effects of deferred maintenance on costs and condition throughout the facility life cycle.